High-Purity Gadolinium Oxide Neutron Absorbing Cores from China Suppliers | Advanced Factory Solutions
Neutron Absorption and Nuclear Performance
Extremely high thermal neutron absorption cross-section
Gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) is one of the materials with the highest thermal neutron absorption cross-section in nature (~49,000 barns), far surpassing materials such as boron carbide (B₄C) and silicon carbide (SiC) in terms of thermal neutron capture and absorption efficiency, thereby effectively terminating chain reactions.
Radiation stability
It maintains good structural integrity in strong radiation fields, with slow performance degradation and a long service life.
Low radioactive byproducts
Compared to other neutron-absorbing materials (such as europium oxide), the radioactive isotopes produced by gadolinium oxide after neutron absorption are relatively stable, making subsequent handling simpler.
High temperature performance and thermal stability
High Melting Point
The melting point exceeds 2400°C, allowing for structural stability in high-temperature reactors or high-temperature process environments.
High Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance
It can maintain high mechanical strength and hardness at elevated temperatures, exhibiting good resistance to thermal creep and is not easily deformed.
Chemical and Physical Stability
Chemical Inertia
Exhibits excellent corrosion resistance against various molten metals (such as uranium, plutonium, and other nuclear fuels) and high-temperature chemical environments.
Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient
The thermal expansion coefficient is well-matched with many alloys and ceramics, helping to reduce thermal stress during thermal cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the thermal neutron absorption capacity of Gadolinium oxide?
Gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) has one of the highest thermal neutron absorption cross-sections in nature (~49,000 barns). This enables it to capture and absorb thermal neutrons far more efficiently than materials like boron carbide (B₄C) and silicon carbide (SiC), effectively terminating chain reactions.
How stable is Gadolinium oxide under strong radiation fields?
Gadolinium oxide exhibits excellent radiation stability. It maintains its structural integrity in strong radiation environments, experiencing slow performance degradation and offering a long service life.
Are the radioactive byproducts of Gadolinium oxide difficult to handle?
No. Compared to other neutron-absorbing materials like europium oxide, the radioactive isotopes produced by gadolinium oxide after neutron absorption are relatively stable, which simplifies subsequent handling and disposal.
What is the melting point and high-temperature capability of Gadolinium oxide?
The melting point of Gadolinium oxide exceeds 2400°C. It maintains structural stability, high mechanical strength, and hardness in high-temperature reactors or process environments, showing excellent resistance to thermal creep and deformation.
How does Gadolinium oxide react with molten metals and nuclear fuels?
It displays outstanding chemical inertia, providing excellent corrosion resistance when in contact with various molten metals—such as uranium, plutonium, and other nuclear fuels—as well as high-temperature chemical environments.
Why is the low thermal expansion coefficient of Gadolinium oxide important?
Its low thermal expansion coefficient matches well with many alloys and ceramics, which helps reduce thermal stress and prevents damage during thermal cycling.